Combined diaper type garment and seat pad



Nov. 12, 1963 J. B. WlRTH 3,110,312

COMBINED DIAPER TYPE GARMENT AND SEAT PAD 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 9, 1962 INVENTOR' Jma B I ATTORNEYS Nov. 12, 1963 .1. B. WIRTH COMBINED DIAPER TYPE GARMENT AND SEAT PAD 2 Sheets-Shee t 2 Filed Feb. 9, 1962 INVENTOR Jam} )5. 7M$-Z% ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,110,312 corvmrnnn nmrnn rrrn GARMENT AND SEAT ran ram-i n. warn, 143 s. 6th St, Allentown, Pa. Fiied Feb. 9, 1962,8212 No. 172,2s2 4 Claims. ct. i2s-2s7 This invention relates to wearing apparel, and more particularly to a combined diaper ty-pe garment and seat pad which serves to replace the rubber or other waterproof garment commonly utilized for infant wear, and which, at the same t'nne, operates to make an infant wearing the garment secure in an upright seating position.

As is well known, the conventional diaper type garment is utilized to provide protection for the delicate skin of an infant, and also to absorb moisture, but when it is necessary or desirable to confine the moisture completely to the diaper, it has been common practice to utilize rubber or other waterproof type pants applied over the diapers, and while this method is relatively satisfactory, it requires the provision of a number of separate garments, and also necessitates some trouble and exertion in applyin g the various garments.

It is also well known that when an infant is seated in a chair or vehicle, it is often necessary to either tie the infant in place to prevent inadvertent falling with the possibility of resulting injury, or to utilize pillows or blankets for the purpose of propping the infant in position. The latter method provides adequate protection, but particularly in warm weather results in discomfort to the infant, and, furthermore, it is frequently somewhat difficult to locate the blankets or pillows to provide adequate support.

In view of the disadvantages of the above conventional practice, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a garment combining the features or" a diaper for the absorption of moisture, a waterproof layer to prevent the escape of moisture from the diaper, and a nonskid seat pad attached to the garment which serves to firmly hold the infant in position when seated represents a very material step forward in the art.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a combined diaper and garment seat pad unit conforming with the preceding object, but which also incorporates special means for securing the unit in place in the form of fabric straps which do not require buckles, snaps, or the like.

A further obiect of the invention is the provision of a combined diaper type garment and seat pad which also includes an additional absorbent pad to increase the moistare-absorbing capacity of the garment.

A still further and more general object of the invention is the provision of a combined diaper type garment and seat pad unit constructed in such a manner as to eliminate contact of raw edges, seams, buck es, snaps, or the like, with the skin of the wearer.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a combined diaper type garment and seat pad which may be conveniently applied to an infant by the use of interlocking fabric type elements attached to the garment, thereby eliminating the necessity for utilizing pins or other separate fastening means.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a combined diaper type garment and seat pad in which the seat pad comprises an oval-shaped body of plastic or 3-,l lhfi l2 Fatented Nov. 12, 1963 "ice 2 other suitable foam material secured by heat sealing, a suitable adhesive, or by any other suitable method to the outer surface of a plastic sheet, which in turn is secured to the garment by sewing, and serves to provide a waterproof layer, preventing the escape of moisture from the garment.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a combined diaper type garment and seat pad which may be conveniently and economically manufactured from readily available materials, and which also may be conveniently laundered and dried for repeated use.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a bottom plan view with parts broken away and in section for greater clarity, and showing a combined diaper type garment and seat pad constructed in accordance with this invention prior to application of the same to the wearer;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view showing the formation of the garment when in place on the wearer;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the garment in the condition as shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional VlSW, taken substantially on the line 4- 4 of FIGURE 2, and showing the relative positions of the various layers and parts of the garment as assumed when in place on the wearer;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary elevational view, with parts broken away and in section for greater clarification, showing one side of the garment looking from the inside outwardly;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view showing the one-piece fabric blank providing the body portion prior to folding thereof, and also showing the manner in which the absorbent pad, the sheet of moisture-proof plastic material, and the yieldable seat pad are attached to a portion of the fabric sheet forming the body of the garment;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view, taken substantially on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6, and showing the relative positions of the various layers of material in the crotch portion of the garment prior to folding of the body portion;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view, taken substantially on the line S8 of FIGURE 6, and showing the relative positions of the poisture-proof plastic sheet, one layer of the body portion and the absorbent pad;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view in perspective, showing the manner of sewing a side seam of the body portion, with such portion turned inside out to permit convenient formation of this scam;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary view in perspective, showing the side edge and seam of the body portion in finished form to present smooth edges for contact with the skin of the wearer;

(FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the moisture absorbent P FIGURE 12 is an end elevational view of the absorbent pad shown in FIGURE 11; and

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the manner of attaching the yieldable seat pad to the plastic moisture-proof sheet.

With continued reference to the drawings, and particularly FIGURES l to 5, there is shown a combined diaper type garment and seat pad constructed in accordance with this invention, and which may well comprise a one-piece fabric body portion 19 which is of generally I-shape and is folded along one end edge 11 to provide superimposed inner and outer layers 12 and 13, respectively, these layers being sewed together along the side edges 14 and 15, in a manner to be later described, and it is further to be noted that the body portion 11 is open along the end edge 16 opposite to the folded edge 11.

A pad of suitable absorbent material 17 is disposed between the inner and outer layers 12 and 13 of the body portion 19, and a sheet 13 of moisture-proof plastic or other suitable material is secured to the outer surface 13 of the body 11). Secured to the outer surface of the plastic sheet 18 is a yieldable seat pad 19 of plastic, or other suitable foam material, and as best shown in FIG- URE 4, the absorbent pad 17, the moisture-proof sheet 18, and the seat pad 19 are all superimposed in the crotch portion of the garment when in place on the wearer.

The method of making the garment of this invention is best shown in FIGURES 6 to 13, and with particular reference to these figures, it will be seen that the body portion 10 is formed from an initially flat blank of suitable fabric, such as, cotton cloth, cut to the proper shape, to provide, when folded, superimposed generally I-shaped inner and outer layers, and as shown in FIGURE 6, the inner layer 12 is disposed at the upper portion of the figure, while the outer layer 13 is disposed at the lower portion. Prior to folding of the blank to provide the body portion 11 the various components of the garment are secured thereto, and as best shown in FIGURES 6, 7 and 8, the absorbent pad 17 which is of the general configuration, as shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, is secured to the upper surface of the outer layer 13 by means of a line of stitching 2!) extending through the absorbent pad 17, and the outer layer 13 of the body portion 10. It will be noted that the absorbent pad 17 is positioned centrally of the outer layer 13. The moisture-proof plastic sheet 18, as shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 6, is also of susbtantially I-shape, but smaller than the outer layer 13 of the body portion 19, and the plastic sheet 18 is secured to the lower surface of the layer 13, as shown in FIGURE 6 by stitching or other suitable means 21, 22, 23 and 24, at the corners of the moisture-proof sheet 18, and it is to be noted that the moisture-proof sheet 18 is disposed directly beneath the absorbent pad 17, as shown in FIGURE 6.

As best shown in FIGURES 6, 7 and 13, the seat pad 19 of rubber, plastic, or any other suitable foam material, and of the shape also shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 6, is secured to the lower surface of the plastic sheet 18 in the relationship shown in FIGURE 6, and the seat pad 19 may be secured to the plastic sheet 18 by heat sealing, by the use of a suitable adhesive, or in any other desirable manner.

After attachment of the absorbent pad 17, the plastic moisture-proof sheet. 18 and the seat pad 19 to the outer layer 13 of the body 16, the inner layer 12 of the body 113 is folded along the line 11 to a position lying beneath the body portion 13, as shown in FIGURE 6, or in other words, to a position with the plastic sheet 18 and seat pad 19 disposed between the outer layer 13 and the inner layer 12 of the body 1%, and in this position, the side edges 14 and 15 of the layers 12 and 13 are stitched, as shown at 25 in FIGURE 9, and it will be seen that iri this position, the edges 14 and 15 present raw surfaces which would tend to irritate the skin of an infant if in contact therewith. t is to be noted that the end edges 16 opposite the fold line 11 are left open, as shown in FIGURE 1, and consequently this permits turning of the garment as stitched together inside'out to position the absorbent pad 17 between the inner and outer layers 12 and 13 of the body portion 19, and to position the moisture-proof sheet 18 and seat pad 19011 the outer surface of the outer layer 13. This operation also serves to turn the seams on the side edges and 15 inside out, as

shown in FIGURE 10, which results in presenting smooth 7 edges which serves to eliminate skin irritation.

In order that the completed garment may be convemently and attachably secured in place on the body of an infant, there is provided at the corner portions 26 and 27 of the body portion 1%, suitable fastening fabric type straps and 29, and these fastening straps serve to cooperate with a corresponding base member 30 secured across the front of the body portion 11 as shown in FIG- URE 1. The operation of the fastening means is clearly shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. The fabric base member 1%) and the straps 28 and 2% include a nylon brush type fabric surface which releasably interlocks with a corresponding surface upon the application of pressure. Material of such type is presently marketed under the trade-mark Vel-Cro. It should be readily apparent that the interlocking fabric elements as contemplated hereby eliminate the need for snaps, buckles, or the like, and thus eliminate the dangerous components of prior diaper constructions. 7

After use, the garment may be conveniently turned inside out to facilitate suitable washing and cleaning, as well as drying, of the absorbent pad 17, and at the completion of the drying operation, the garment may again be turned inside out to original condition for subsequent use. 7

It will be obvious that the garment of this invention provides adequate protection for the wearer in a manner to prevent irritation of the tender skin of an infant, and also provides adequate moisture-absorbing capabilities, as well as a moisture-proof construction which retains moisture within the garment and, furthermore, the yieldable, non-skid seat pad provides for holding the infant in position when seated in a chair or vehicle, thereby precluding the necessity for utilizing blankets or pillows for propping the infant in position, since usually falling of the infant is occasioned by undue movement or slippage on the seat supporting the infant. Consequently, the nonskid seat pad promotes both comfort and safety.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the invention, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, the invention is not limited by that which is shown in the drawings and described in the specification, but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A combined diaper-typegarment and seat pad comprising a one-piece fabric body portion folded to provide superimposed generally I-shaped inner and outer layers, said layers being sewed together along the side edges and open along the edge opposite the fold, a pad of absorbent material disposed between said inner and outer layers, a sheet of moisture-proof plastic of generally I-shape, but smaller than said layers secured to the outer surface of said outer layer, a non-skid yieldable seat pad of generally oval shape secured to the center portion of the outer surface of said plastic sheet and fastening means at the corners of said body portion for releasably securing the corners of said body portion together to provide a garment having openings for the legs and body of the wearer.

2. A combined diaper-type garment and seat pad as defined in claim 1, in which said seat pad comprises plastic foam sealed to said plastic sheet.

3. A combined diaper-type garment and seat pad as defined in claim 1, in which said plastic sheet is secured to said outer layer only at the corners of said plastic sheet.

4. A combined diaper-type garment and seat pad comprising a one-piece fabric body portion folded to provide superimposed generally I-shaped inner and outer layers, said layers being sewed together along the side edges and open along the edge opposite the fold, a pad of absorbent material disposed between said inner and outer layers, a sheet of moisture-proof plastic of generally I-shape,

Pr-odueed by Velcro Corporation, New YorkpNew York.

smaller than said layers, secured to and substantially covering the outer surface of said outer layer, a plastic foam non-skid yieldable seat pad of generally oval shape secured to the center portion of the outer surface of said plastic sheet, said seat pad having a plastic foam surface exposed for contact, and fastening means at the corners of said body portion for releasably securing the corners of said body portion together to provide a garment having openings for the legs and body of the wearer, said fastening means comprising fabric strap elements carried at one end of said body portion and a fabric strip carried at the other end of said body portion, said elements and said strip having brush type surfaces adapted to be releasably joined together under pressure.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,511,036 Baxmeyer et al. June 13, 1950 2,538,758 Bricrnont Ian. 23, 1951 2,549,982 McKahann et a1 Apr. 24, 1951 2,558,215 Habig et al June 26, 1951 2,717,437 De Mestral Sept. 13, 1955 2,771,881 Betts Nov. 27, 1956 3,072,123 Davis Jan, 8, 1963 3,081,772 Brooks et al. Mar. 19, 1963 

1. A COMBINED DIAPER-TYPE GARMENT AND SEAT PAD COMPRISING A ONE-PIECE FABRIC BODY PORTION FOLDED TO PROVIDE SUPERIMPOSED GENERALLY I-SHAPED INNER AND OUTER LAYERS, SAID LAYERS BEING SEWED TOGETHER ALONG THE SIDE EDGES AND OPEN ALONG THE EDGE OPPOSITE THE FOLD, A PAD OF ABSORBENT MATERIAL DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID INNER AND OUTER LAYERS, A SHEET OF MOISTURE-PROOF PLASTIC OF GENERALLY I-SHAPED, BUT SMALLER THAN SAID LAYERS SECURED TO THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID OUTER LAYER, A NON-SKID YIELDABLE SEAT PAD OF GENERALLY OVAL SHAPE SECURED TO THE CENTER PORTION OF THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID PLASTIC SHEET AND FASTENING MEANS AT THE CORNERS OF SAID BODY PORTION FOR RELEASABLY SECURING THE CORNERS OF SAID BODY PORTION TOGETHER TO PROVIDE A GARMENT HAVING OPENINGS FOR THE LEGS AND BODY OF THE WEARER. 